Adrenaline activities in the UK

Here at Sheepskin we all love cosy fires and beautiful cottages, and we all like different outdoor activities.

It is tempting to spend a week at a Sheepskin cottage relaxing on the sofa, but if you love adventure then why not look for adrenaline activities in the UK? Some are even close to our luxurious holiday properties, so you can come home, have a long soak in a roll-top bath and curl up in front of the fire.

In the air

Firstly, aerobatic flying is one of our favourite daredevil activities. There's nothing better than heading to a remote airport and climbing into a small plane to enjoy the feeling of G-force holding you in your seat as you roll, loop and stall turn. This is a highly recommended activity for anyone who needs something more than a huge rollercoaster to keep their adrenaline tank fuelled, however we are obligated to warn you that it is highly likely you will be hooked! Johnjohn and Red Letter Days offer aerobatic flying as gift vouchers, perfect for Christmas presents for the man or woman who has everything.

Skydiving

If sitting inside a plane is too boring, perhaps jumping out of one at 10,000 ft would be more up your street. Just imagine free falling for 60 seconds at 120mph, then at 5,000 ft a parachute opens and lets you soar back down to earth – all attached to a fully qualified instructor of course. If you are ever in South Wales and fancy giving it a try, visit Skydive Swansea. You need to allow all day for the jump, and (sorry little ones) this activity is for 16 years and above.

On the water

Even in winter, as long as you wear a wetsuit, activities based on or in the water can be hugely enjoyable. Firstly, for those who love living in the fast lane, why not try Zap Cat boating? This sport is becoming more and more popular, with competitions held throughout the UK, and features a very fast powerboat racing over the waves off the coastline. Big Blue Kitesurfing is located in Newgale, Pembrokeshire, and offer hour-long taster sessions.

Kite surfing

If all of the above are a little too daring for your taste, give canyoning a go. It involves jumping off cliffs and waterfalls, and plummeting into a river from an aerial zip wire. Adrenalin Antics offer a wide range of water-based activities which let you experience the fun side of taking a plunge. It's located at the north end of Llyn Trawsfynydd, near Bala and Betws-y-Coed, and conveniently close to our properties Tailor’s Cottage and Hilltop.

Tailor's Cottage

An activity which is a little more relaxing, but sounds daring, is wild swimming. It has becoming increasingly popular with recent books and television programmes dedicated to finding the best spots. One of our favourite places is close to Hafod Glan Gwy, where guests can can enjoy swimming in the River Wye. Summer guests can also enjoy a secret, secluded beach on the Sawdde River – we’ll include directions in your tailor-made guide. It is a perfect place for a dip after a long walk in the Brecon Beacons in the summer. Meanwhile, just a few miles from Tailor’s Cottage you can swim in Fairy Glen, a beautiful gorge just outside of Betws-y-Coed.

Hilltop

On the land

Adrenalin Antics also provide on-land activities if air and water don’t do it for you. They offer bridge abseiling and rock climbing, along with hill walking.

If you prefer two wheels, then you can try trail riding (off-road motorcycle riding). Where you can ride is, for good reason, very restricted so you always need a guide; Trail Ride Wales is run by a very friendly couple who can adapt the day and routes to suit complete beginners or experienced off-road riders. The rides meet near Machynlleth or Aberystwyth.

If you book Wales Outdoors activities whilst staying at a Sheepskin cottage, you will get 20% off the listed price of any of their activities. Wales Outdoors operate near the following Sheepskin properties: Hilltop, Tailor’s Cottage and Hafod Glan Gwy.

Hafod Glan Gwy

If organised activities are not for you perhaps set yourself a challenge, with a fantastic view as a reward at the top. Snowdonia, situated on the west coast of Britain, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with a diverse range of mountain and coastal landscape and natural forest within its vast 838 square miles. One of our favourite places is Glyder Fawr, whose rocky summit makes an unusual and dramatic foreground to an absolutely breathtaking view across to Snowdon.